Have you considered moving to the wonderful state of California? But maybe you aren’t completely set on where you want to settle down? With so many factors that go into picking the best spot for you to call home, it can be hard to narrow it down. One of those major contributors has to be the price to live in the city. There are many great places to live in the Golden State, but some of those cities can be quite expensive to live in. Today we’ve compiled a list of some of the most expensive cities in the state along with what you can expect to pay for things while you’re there.
1) Atherton
The city is 18 miles northwest of San Jose and is considered part of the San Francisco metropolitan area. Known for being one of the most expensive zip codes in the United States, Atherton is known for its wealth having the highest per capita income among U.S. towns with a population between 2,500 and 9,999.
Population: 7,168
Household Income: $250,000
House Cost: $7,070,900
Rent For 2-Bedroom Apartment: $5,241
Cost Of Living Index: 913.5 (where the US is at 100 and California is 149.9)
2) Portola Valley
Located in San Mateo County, Portola Valley is situated on the San Francisco Peninsula. The town is one of the wealthiest in America. It’s home to many notable attractions, such as the Portola Valley School as well as the Alpine Inn.
Population: 4,592
Household Income: $224,554
House Cost: $4,370,300
Rent For 2-Bedroom Apartment: $4,758
Cost Of Living Index: 624.2 (where the US is at 100 and California is 149.9)
3) Beverly Hills
This city is located in Los Angeles County and is home to many celebrities. Beverly Hills is adjacent to West Hollywood and Los Angeles. It is the home to the Rodeo Drive shopping district as well as the Golden Triangle that attracts visitors from around the world.
Population: 34,186
Household Income: $106,936
House Cost: $3,788,000
Rent For 2-Bedroom Apartment: $4,507
Cost Of Living Index: 546.2 (where the US is at 100 and California is 149.9)
4) Los Altos
Located in Santa Clara County, the city of Los Altos sits in the San Francisco Bay Area. This affluent community sits on the edge of Silicon Valley. Due to city regulations, Los Altos is primarily a residential community with commercial zones limited to the downtown area.
Population: 30,504
Household Income: $250,000
House Cost: $3,694,500
Rent For 2-Bedroom Apartment: $3,419
Cost Of Living Index: 502.9 (where the US is at 100 and California is 149.9)
5) Malibu
Located in the Santa Monica Mountains, Malibu is a beach city in Los Angeles County. It has historically been home to Hollywood celebrities where most residents live within a half-mile from the Pacific Coast Highway. The city is proclaimed to be “21 miles of scenic beauty” because of the 21-mile strip of the Malibu coast.
Population: 12,620
Household Income: $150,747
House Cost: $3,654,100
Rent For 2-Bedroom Apartment: $4,179
Cost Of Living Index: 483.9 (where the US is at 100 and California is 149.9)
6) Palo Alto
Palo Alto is a charter city located in Santa Clara County in the San Francisco Bay Area. The city is one of the principal cities of the Silicon Valley, as headquarters to several high-tech companies, such as Tesla, Skype, and Hewlett-Packard (HP).
Population: 66,573
Household Income: $158,271
House Cost: $3,324,700
Rent For 2-Bedroom Apartment: $3,845
Cost Of Living Index: 471.0 (where the US is at 100 and California is 149.9)
7) Ross
One of the smallest towns in Marin County, Ross is a suburb located only 18 miles north of San Francisco. Incorporated in 1908, the town gives a rural feel while still full of historical character. Ross is also home to the renowned Ross School and small commercial area.
Population: 2,290
Household Income: $224,500
House Cost: $3,622,600
Rent For 2-Bedroom Apartment: $4,508
Cost Of Living Index: 431.3 (where the US is at 100 and California is 149.9)
8) Newport Beach
Located in Orange County, this coastal city is best known for its swimming and sandy beaches. It includes Newport Harbor which, today, is mostly used for recreation. The city is home to Pacific Life, a Fortune 500 company as well as many other companies that are based there. Housing prices in Newport Beach are considered some of the most expensive in the United States.
Population: 85,694
Household Income: $127,223
House Cost: $2,660,200
Rent For 2-Bedroom Apartment: $3,573
Cost Of Living Index: 353.3 (where the US is at 100 and California is 149.9)
9) Santa Monica
This beachfront city is a part of Los Angeles County. Because of the climate and proximity to Los Angeles, the city has become a famed resort town. It was also one of the first cities in the nation to adopt a sustainability plan which put waste reduction and water conservation policies into place.
Population: 91,577
Household Income: $96,570
House Cost: $1,814,300
Rent For 2-Bedroom Apartment: $2,880
Cost Of Living Index: 304.5 (where the US is at 100 and California is 149.9)
10) Santa Barbara
This coastal city in Santa Barbara County is located between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Not only is the city a popular tourist destination, but it also has a diverse economy and is home to four higher learning institutions.
Population: 91,376
Household Income: $74,624
House Cost: $1,390,400
Rent For 2-Bedroom Apartment: $2,850
Cost Of Living Index: 223.4 (where the US is at 100 and California is 149.9)
To learn more about the cost of living in some of the more expensive cities in California, head on over here. But while you’re here, let us know in the comments what your favorite city in Arizona is. Be sure to let us know why.
And if you want a new place to live, or considering moving to The Golden State, find your next dream apartment here. While on your search for the best apartments, be sure to check out, some of the most affordable places to live in California.